JICA, DU arrange 5th JICA chair lecture. Photo: DU

DHAKA, May 6, 2025 (BSS) - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Japanese Studies from the University of Dhaka today collaborated to organise the Fifth JICA Chair Lecture on the 'History and Future of Nursing in Japan and Bangladesh' at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the university.
 
Vice-Chancellor of the Dhaka University (DU) Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan presided over the seminar while Prof Emeritus of Kobe City College of Nursing and former President of the International Council of Nurses Dr Hiroko Minami delivered the keynote lecture, said a press release. 

At the outset, Minami highlighted the historical development of modern nursing services and how crises in society shaped nurses' personalities and professionalism worldwide. 

She explained the nursing education system in Japan, including the curriculum and the career path of nurses.

Secretary of Health Services Division Md. Saidur Rahman addressed the seminar as the chief guest while Secretary of Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Md. Sarwar Bari and Professor and Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at DU Dr Taiabur Rahman were present as special guests. 

Rahman stressed the need to learn from Japanese nursing educational development and explained that the government has taken the initiative with the support of JICA to develop the career path of the nurses. 

Ichiguchi Tomohide, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, joined the event as a special guest and expressed his thanks to all concerned, including the Department of Japanese Studies, for making the seminar a success and mentioned that the JICA Chair Seminar is just the beginning of its support to Bangladesh in graduating to the middle-income country. 

Acting Chairman of Department of Japanese Studies at DU Associate Prof Dr Dilruba Sharmin delivered the introductory remarks. 

She thanked all stakeholders, including JICA and research scholars, for their gracious participation. 

President of Japan Visiting Nursing Foundation Dr. Yayoi TAMURA and Dr. Noriko Katada, chair of the Board of Trustees and president of Mie Prefectural College of Nursing, participated in the Q&A session of the seminar.
 
In his concluding remarks, the VC stressed the need for the development of nursing education in Bangladesh to meet the growing needs of the population. 

He congratulated the Department of Japanese Studies and JICA for organising the seminar. 

The Department of Japanese Studies would like to function as the hub of all Japanese endeavors in Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral relations and ultimately contribute to Bangladesh's development. 

More than 500 academics, researchers, development professionals, and students from the DU and different nursing colleges attended the seminar.